Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma: What is the Difference?

Those who may not be entirely familiar with the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma may find themselves using the terms interchangeably. However, since symptoms such as dry cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chest pain are typically in patients living with either condition, it is often important to seek medical attention from a physician who can establish the difference between asbestosis and mesothelioma to ensure that patients receive an accurate diagnosis.

Contact Attorney Group for Tennessee today for more information about asbestosis vs. mesothelioma lawsuits or pursuing a claim if you or someone you love suffered injury as a result of exposure to asbestos. There is no cost to speak with us, and we can help determine if you have a case.

Difference between Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma

According to The Mesothelioma Center, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, Florida and California are the five states with the highest number of deaths resulting from mesothelioma and lung cancer. Death rates for both conditions tend to correlate with each other as these states with the most lung cancer deaths also have the most mesothelioma deaths.

Patients with either mesothelioma or asbestosis may find it difficult to breathe, as both are conditions of the lungs. However, it is important to note that one of the main differences between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma is that mesothelioma is a form of cancer whereas asbestosis is a chronic lung disease. Both conditions can develop following exposure to asbestos, but each occurs in a different area of the person’s body. Lung cancer directly affects the lung itself, while mesothelioma is typically found in the lining of the lungs or even other internal organs. Mesothelioma can worsen and move to a person’s abdomen, heart, testicles, or other part of the body.

Additionally, mesothelioma almost always develops following repeat asbestos exposure, but lung cancer can also develop due to tobacco use and exposure to radon gas and second-hand smoke. Approximately 80 percent of deaths from lung cancer are attributed to tobacco use whereas 80 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses occur following exposure.

Asbestosis vs. Mesothelioma Lawsuit News in Tennessee

A Tennessee appeals court revived a widow’s lawsuit against Illinois Central Railroad Co. alleging that her husband was exposed to asbestos during his employment with the company and that exposure to asbestos and diesel exhaust for more than 40 years led to his death from mesothelioma. The late worker initially sued Illinois Central several years ago, alleging that he suffered from asbestosis as a result of working for his employer. At the time of the lawsuit, he signed a Federal Employers’ Liability Act document in which the company stated that it was released from any lawsuits stemming from his asbestos exposure or medical conditions. However, the court found that this release does not bar the claims, as there is no indication that it was intended to cover claims for mesothelioma in the future, a condition of which he was likely unaware.

In a separate development in an asbestos proceeding in Tennessee, the owner and operator of A&E Salvage has entered a guilty plea for violating the Clean Air Act for removing asbestos from a closed Hamblen County, Tennessee plant without exercising the legally required controls. The defendant was the last of five to plead guilty on May 15, 2014 after he admitted that he and his co-conspirators instructed workers to remove asbestos from the plant without proper protective gear. All five defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2014 and may face up to five years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine. While this is a different type of case, it stems from the same basis: that asbestos is a dangerous material, and handling of it should not be taken lightly.

The Attorney Group for Tennessee Can Help

Have you or someone you love received a diagnosis or you are unsure of the difference between asbestosis vs. mesothelioma lawsuits, and you believe you have a case? Contact Attorney Group for Tennessee for a free case evaluation and to determine whether you are eligible to seek compensation. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney in Tennessee who can help you seek the damages to which you may be entitled.

Share this Post

Comments

Attorney Group reviewed by:

Lauren A. on May 16, 2016

"These guys are a pleasure to work with -- very strategic and very responsive, which makes for a great business partner! I can tell that they are passionate about making sure all clients get the attention and expertise they deserve."